Monday, March 31, 2008

In the top of the first at the Jake, Jim Thome takes last year's Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia out of the park.

Much is made about the Yankees, Red Sox and Tigers lineups being potent, but the heart of the White Sox can hang with anyone with the addition of Cabrera and Swisher to Thome-Konerko-Dye.

There's little chance Chicago's South Siders can ride its pitching staff to the World Series like in 2005, but this lineup could make them a surprise team in the AL Central.

Fantasy Spin: Sure, Thome is aging (he'll be 38 in Aug.), but the DH smacked 35 and drove in 96 last year despite missing 32 games. He'll be knicked up. That back will flare up from time to time. He'll probably land on the DL at least once. Lots of whirlpool time, for sure. But Thome can still provide you with top 20 power numbers so don't sleep on this likely HOFer. He's the epitome of pop in the bargain bin, but I'm OK with that.

Sabathiawill be fine, but be wary of those 241 IP last season. Pitching on a contract year, it'll take a serious injury to shut Sabathia down, but you may see a tired arm after the All-Star break.

About this blog

When Trevor is not busy being an online sports producer for charlotteobserver.com, he's trying to figure out how to balance fantasy sports with the reality of life. Usually not very well (he's in three leagues this year).

His fantasy baseball days date back to before he was married to his wife of 9 1/2 years. She lovingly refers to his team as "your guys." (Don't ask her for advice.)

Trevor is an avid Cubs fan whosefirst team included Sammy Sosa's 66 home run season. He hasn't been able to stop drafting Cubs since.